Kiharu Member of Parliament Ndindi Nyoro has appealed to the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) and the Ministry of Education to take immediate action on pressing education issues, beginning with the fate of Junior Secondary School (JSS) interns whose contracts expire next month.
Speaking during church service in Murang’a Sunday, Nyoro asked TSC to confirm all 20,000 JSS interns by January, noting that they have shouldered much of the workload since the programme’s rollout.
He said the teachers should be placed on permanent and pensionable terms to ensure stability in learning when schools reopen.
“The JSS interns have played a crucial role in implementation of Competency Based Education, and they should not be ignored.
“If there are financial gaps, use Article 223. Spend now and we will regularize in Parliament later,” Nyoro said, adding that MPs were ready to support any supplementary budget needed to secure the teachers’ employment.
Nyoro also urged the Ministry of Education to reconsider a proposal referenced in a circular based on a 2025 Gazette Notice, which would reduce capitation for secondary schools’ learners from Sh22,000 to Sh12,000 per learner.
He warned that the adjustment would require parents to pay an additional Sh9,300 in fees, excluding food costs.
“Many parents in Kiharu are already struggling with even the Sh1,000 contribution under Mambo Bora which supports learners in day secondary schools,” He observed.
“We request that no child be denied education because a parent cannot afford the extra cost. Free basic education must be protected.” He added.
The MP further appealed to the government to urgently intervene on challenges facing public university lecturers saying the recent strike surpassed 40 days due to a Sh7 billion debt owed to universities.
He said the closure of institutions had disrupted learning for thousands of students across the country.
“We must refocus our priorities and ensure education remains a top investment. Our universities must operate without disruption caused by lecturers’ strikes. Our students need to continue with their studies smoothly so that they finish their programmes at the right time.” Nyoro said.
He called on all relevant government agencies to act swiftly, saying the future of learners at all levels depends on timely and decisive action.
by Bernard Munyao
